Advancing JEDI Principles in AI Systems: A Call for Inclusive Research and Technology Integration
Pedagogical Integration of AI Systems
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies has transformed education. Yet, current models for technology integration often fail to address the critical dimensions of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). This gap calls for a comprehensive framework that ensures AI systems and digital transformation initiatives are inclusive, ethical, and equitable.
Professor Moustapha Diack, a global leader in digital education transformation and Executive Director of Digital Education Consulting (DEC), exemplifies this vision. Through his pioneering work and partnerships with organizations like the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) and Centre de Développement Solidaire et Inclusif (CDSI), led by Aïssatou Cissé, Professor Diack has raised awareness and driven action to embed JEDI principles into AI-driven education systems.This publication explores the challenges, strategies, and benefits of integrating JEDI principles into AI systems while highlighting the DEC-CDSI partnership as a model for inclusive transformation.
Addressing Research Questions
1. What are the main challenges in implementing JEDI principles in AI systems?
Bias in Algorithms: Many AI systems inherit biases from datasets that lack diversity.
Solution: Regularly audit datasets for fairness and involve interdisciplinary teams during development.
Digital Divide: Limited access to technology exacerbates inequalities in education.
Solution: Invest in affordable devices, internet access, and open educational resources (OERs).
Underrepresentation in STEM: Marginalized groups are often excluded from STEM fields, impacting the inclusivity of AI designs.
Solution: Promote diversity through scholarships, mentorship programs, and inclusive hiring practices.
2. How can AI systems be designed to promote equity and inclusion in education?
Universal Design Principles: Incorporate features like text-to-speech tools, real-time transcription services, and multi-language support to accommodate diverse learners.
Cultural Responsiveness: Use diverse datasets reflective of varied cultural contexts to reduce biases in decision-making algorithms.
Adaptive Learning Technologies: Develop systems that personalize learning experiences based on individual needs, fostering equity among students from different backgrounds.
3. What role does AI play in enhancing inclusive learning environments?
AI can transform learning environments by:
Personalization: Adaptive platforms tailor content delivery based on individual progress and preferences.
Assistive Technologies: Tools like screen readers and voice recognition software enable students with disabilities to engage effectively with digital content.
Bias Detection: AI-powered analytics identify biases in instructional materials or teaching practices, enabling educators to make improvements.
4. How can educational institutions measure the effectiveness of JEDI-centered approaches?
Educational institutions can assess impact through:
Student Outcomes Analysis: Track academic performance across diverse demographics to identify achievement gaps.
Engagement Metrics: Use analytics tools within Learning Management Systems (LMS) to monitor participation rates among underrepresented groups.
Feedback Mechanisms: Collect qualitative data from students and educators about their experiences with implemented technologies.
5. What are the potential benefits of integrating JEDI principles into AI-driven education?
The integration of JEDI principles offers transformative benefits:
Enhanced accessibility through assistive technologies like screen readers or speech-to-text tools.
Personalized learning solutions that adapt dynamically to individual needs.
Reduced achievement gaps by providing targeted support for underserved populations.
Improved cultural sensitivity through content analysis tools that identify bias.
Economic empowerment via training programs focused on digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
6. How does the MoU between Diack and Aïssatou Cissé contribute to digital transformation in education?
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DEC and CDSI outlines a collaborative framework aimed at promoting inclusive digital transformation by:
Raising awareness about the importance of JEDI principles through campaigns, webinars, and conferences targeting policymakers and stakeholders.
Developing accessible training institutes focused on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and AI integration for underserved populations.
Influencing national policies to prioritize inclusion for people with disabilities in the era of AI-driven transformation.
Mobilizing local developers through hackathons to create inclusive applications aligned with JEDI principles1.
7. What are the pioneering roles of Professor Moustapha Diack in raising awareness about digital transformation?
Professor Diack has played a pivotal role by:
Leading international partnerships like the DEC-CDSI collaboration to advocate for inclusive practices in digital transformation.
Organizing events such as the "AI for Sustainable Development and Economic Innovation" (IA4DDIE) conference to foster dialogue on ethical AI use1.
Promoting open educational resources (OERs) to reduce barriers to access while ensuring equity across diverse demographics.
Advancing JEDI Principles in AI Systems: A Call for Inclusive Research and Technology Integration
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies has transformed education, yet current models for technology integration often fail to address the critical dimensions ofJustice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). This gap calls for a comprehensive framework that ensures AI systems and digital transformation initiatives are inclusive, ethical, and equitable.Professor Moustapha Diack, a global leader in digital education transformation and Executive Director of Digital Education Consulting (DEC), exemplifies this vision. Through his pioneering work and partnerships with organizations like theInclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC)andCentre de Développement Solidaire et Inclusif (CDSI), led by Aïssatou Cissé, Professor Diack has raised awareness and driven action to embed JEDI principles into AI-driven education systems.This publication explores the challenges, strategies, and benefits of integrating JEDI principles into AI systems while highlighting the DEC-CDSI partnership as a model for inclusive transformation.
Implications for Developing Economies
The integration of JEDI principles into AI systems has profound implications for developing economies:
Reducing Inequalities: By embedding equity into AI-driven education platforms, developing economies can address systemic disparities in access to quality education. For example, adaptive learning technologies can provide personalized support to underserved communities.
Empowering Marginalized Groups: Initiatives like the DEC-CDSI partnership focus on empowering people with disabilities through digital literacy and entrepreneurship training. These efforts create pathways to economic participation for marginalized groups.
Building Local Capacity: Developing economies can benefit from localized AI solutions that reflect their cultural contexts and address specific challenges. Hackathons and training programs mobilize local developers to create inclusive applications tailored to community needs.
Promoting Economic Growth: Inclusive digital transformation fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, driving sustainable economic growth. For instance, the CDSI e-commerce platform supports "Handi-preneurs" by providing accessible tools for market participation.
By prioritizing JEDI principles in their national strategies, developing economies can ensure that technological advancements contribute to inclusive growth rather than exacerbating existing inequalities.
A Call for National and Institutional Policies on AI Adoption - Digital Education Consulting (DEC)
The adoption of AI in education requires deliberate policy frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and equity at both national and institutional levels:
National Policies: Governments must develop policies that mandate the integration of JEDI principles into all AI-driven initiatives. This includes funding for accessible technologies, incentives for inclusive innovation, and regulations to prevent algorithmic bias.
Institutional Strategies: Educational institutions should adopt frameworks like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure that their AI tools are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or limited access to technology.
Collaborative Governance: Policymakers should engage with diverse stakeholders—educators, researchers, developers, and marginalized communities—to co-create inclusive policies that reflect varied perspectives.
The MoU between DEC and CDSI serves as a blueprint for such collaborative efforts by emphasizing awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.
Declaration to the AI Community
As leaders in research, education, technology development, and policymaking, we call upon the global AI community to commit to the following guiding principles:
Justice: Develop transparent algorithms that prioritize fairness and address systemic biases in decision-making processes.
Equity: Ensure equitable access to AI-driven tools by investing in affordable technologies and reducing barriers for underserved populations.
Diversity: Incorporate diverse datasets reflective of global perspectives into AI systems while promoting representation in STEM fields.
Inclusion: Design universally accessible platforms that accommodate learners with varying abilities and needs.
These principles must guide every stage of AI development—from research and design to deployment and evaluation.
Key Points for Action
To realize this vision of inclusive digital transformation, we recommend the following actions:
Invest in Research: Fund interdisciplinary research on ethical AI practices that align with JEDI principles.
Promote Capacity Building: Expand professional development opportunities for educators on integrating ethical AI into pedagogy.
Foster Global Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between institutions in developed and developing economies to share resources and expertise.
Measure Impact: Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of JEDI-centered approaches in improving educational outcomes.
By embedding these principles into national strategies and institutional practices, we can create an educational ecosystem where technology serves as a force for good—empowering all learners equitably.
References
Convention de Partenariat pour la Transformation Numérique Inclusive et l'Intégration des Principes JEDI au Service des Personnes Handicapées – Digital Education Consulting (DEC) & Centre de Développement Solidaire et Inclusif (CDSI), January 2025.
Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC): Resources on inclusive design practices.
IA4DDIE Conference 2025 – Promoting sustainable development through ethical AI innovation.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines – CAST.
Open Educational Resources Commons – Repository for OERs supporting equitable access.
Professor Moustapha Diack is affiliated with the Doctoral Program in Science/Math Education and the College of Science and Engineering at Southern University in Baton Rouge (SUBR). He is the Founding Executive Director of the Digital Education Consulting (DEC) group. P Professor Moustapha Diack is affiliated with the Doctoral Program in Science/Math Education and the College of Science and Engineering at Southern University in Baton Rouge (SUBR). He is the Founding Executive Director of the Digital Education Consulting (DEC) group. Professor Diack also serves as the co-organizer of the DEC International Conference, AI for Sustainable Development (IA4DDIE: Intelligence Artificielle pour le Développement Durable et l’Innovation Économique), which takes place annually during the first week of December in Somone, Senegal, West Africa.
